Hyundai Motor India sells the outgoing Elite i20 only in BS6 petrol format
South Korean automaker Hyundai Motor has already unveiled the latest version of its popular supermini, i20. The global-spec 2021MY Hyundai i20 was supposed to make its official debut in March at Geneva International Motor Show (GIMS) 2020. However, the prestigious automotive show had to be cancelled due to COVID-19 pandemic.
Even before its online unveiling, the next-gen Hyundai i20 was spied testing on Indian roads under heavy camouflage. This proves how much Hyundai priorities its Indian operations and gives an insight into the i20’s position on our market. The “premium hatchback” primarily rivals the Tata Altroz (turbo petrol variant in the works), Maruti Suzuki Baleno, Toyota Glanza, Volkswagen Polo and Honda Jazz BS6 (bookings open).
Meanwhile, Hyundai Motor India sells the outgoing second-gen Elite i20 facelift only in BS6 petrol format. Powered by a 1.2-litre Kappa NA petrol engine, the current i20 makes 82bhp and 114Nm of torque while mated to a 5-speed transmission. Prices start at Rs 6.50 lakh ex-showroom.
Latest spy shots
Automotive enthusiast Saran Raparthy shares with us a fresh set of third-gen Hyundai i20 spy pics from Hyderabad. It is worth mentioning that Hyundai Motor India has an R&D facility in Kondapur, Hyderabad. Unlike previous sightings, this particular test mule wore slightly thinner camouflage. It still remains a far cry from the final production model.
Key highlights include single-tone Polar White shade (evident from its uncovered roof), sharkfin antenna, 15-inch four-spoke alloy wheels (OEM part of pre-facelift second-gen model), LED lighting, etc. Once launched, top trims will pack features such as sunroof, digital instrument console, Bose audio system, Bluelink connectivity, 8.0-inch touchscreen (European versions get 10.25-inch units), ambient illumination and more.
Recently, a crossover version of the 2021MY international-spec Hyundai i20 was spied in Germany. It seemingly sits above the Hyundai Venue and would most likely share internals with the all-new Kia Stonic.
Engine & specs
The Indian-spec next-gen Hyundai i20 (uncertain if it will carry an “Elite” tag) might get three powertrain options like the Venue: 82bhp/114Nm 1.2-litre NA petrol (5-speed manual), 99bhp/240Nm 1.5-litre diesel (6-speed manual or 6-speed TC) and 118bhp/172Nm 1.0-litre turbo petrol (6-speed manual or 7-speed DCT).
It could even come with the revolutionary iMT (intelligent Manual Transmission) technology, which essentially does away with a traditional clutch pedal without being an automatic. Venue already has the iMT. The same will be available in Kia Motors India’s latest offering, Sonet.
